Semi driver dies after leaving roadway

Crash snarls travel on Interstate 80

Heavy damage occurred to the cab when this semi went through the center median and rolled over in the eastbound lanes of Interstate 80 Monday morning. The driver's injuries proved fatal.

By: Kris Stadalsky - Shaw Meda Correspondent

JOLIET — A traffic accident on Interstate 80, near Minooka, Monday morning has claimed the life of a semi driver.

The driver, whose identification is being withheld until next of kin can be notified of his death, was westbound on Interstate 80 when he left the roadway at 9:23 a.m. for unknown reasons. The semi went through the center median, and rolled over in the eastbound lanes, said Sgt. Scott Angus of the Illinois State Police.

“A medevac chopper was dispatched and the driver was taken to Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grover,” Angus said. The driver was pronounced deceased at the hospital.

The accident occurred at mile marker 123, one mile east of the Minooka/Ridge Road exit.
While original reports indicated a car or other vehicle was trapped underneath the semi, those reports turned out to be unfounded.

“The semi struck another semi, but it was of no significance,” Angus said.
Traffic was shut down in both directions when the medical helicopter flew in, according to Minooka Chief of Police Justin Meyer.

A woman in labor approached the traffic tie up when the lanes were closed off, Angus verified.

“She was allowed to get through,” he said.

All lanes were cleared by between 1 and 1:30 p.m., according to Sgt. Scott Angus.

Minooka police, the Minooka Fire Protection District and Illinois Department of Transportation assisted the Illinois State Police at the scene.